In this Issue:

• Synagogue Federation Commission Upcoming Program: Re-imagining How We Attract Membership During Challenging Times

• The Chicago Board of Rabbis has a new Website

• New JVS Website for Personalized Job Assistance

• Programs for Families with Young Children

• Opportunities for Teens and Young Adults

• Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago's Upcoming Events

• Keep Your Congregants Connected by Adding More News to Your Newsletter

• Jewish Child and Family Services (JCFS) Programs

JUF Book Buddies is getting ready to start another season of Joyfully Jewish programs for families with young children. Beginning in September, JUF Book Buddies will meet monthly for a free, fun program of Jewish arts and crafts and storytelling.

Locations will include: Vernon Hills, Schaumburg and Naperville. For more information, contact bookbuddies@juf.org, call (312) 444-2844 or join the JUF Book Buddies Facebook group!

The JUF TOV Volunteer Network is recruiting volunteer tutors for the TOV Literacy Project 2009-2010 school year. All face-to-face and online tutoring happens during the school day.

For more information or to sign up to be a tutor, please call (312) 357-4762, email tov@juf.org or visit our website.

Learn more about the TOV Literacy Project »

2010 Israel Solidarity Day

Save the date of Sunday, May 2, 2010 for Israel Solidarity Day, featuring the Walk with Israel. Stand with and support the people of Israel by joining us in your neighborhood!

Events will be held in the City, Northern Suburbs, Northwest Suburbs, Oak Park/River Forest, Skokie/Lincolnwood/Rogers Park/Peterson Park, Southern Suburbs & Western Suburbs. For more information, visit www.juf.org/walk, email IsraelSolidarity@juf.org or call (312) 444-2905.

Monday, October 19 and Tuesday, October 20

SAVE THE DATES for this upcoming two-part program with Rabbi Kerry Olitzky. Monday evening will be for synagogue professionals and leadership. On Tuesday, Rabbi Olitzky will be holding tailored synagogue consultations.

Rabbi Kerry M. Olitzky is the Executive Director of the Jewish Outreach Institute, a national independent organization dedicated to promoting a more welcoming and inclusive Jewish community that encourages increased participation in Jewish life. A leader in the development of innovative Jewish education, particularly for adults, he has shaped training programs for clergy of all faiths. Rabbi Olitzky also serves as a fellow and consultant to Synagogue 2000 and is a partner with the Kalsman Institute on Judaism and Health at HUC-JIR.

More information, including location and times, to be announced.

The Chicago Board of Rabbis is happy to announce that its new website www.chicagorabbis.org is up and running. Please note that from the main page you can link to our CBR Speakers Bureau which has a list of rabbis who are available for teaching and presentations, and their topics. Please feel free to be in contact with Rabbi Michael Balinsky at michaelbalinsky@juf.org or 312-357-4715 with any questions you might have.

Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) announces the launch of www.ParnossahWorksChicago.org, a new free job search website accessible by Chicago area job seekers and employers. A unique job posting board, ParnossahWorks Chicago caters to local jobs at all professional levels, offering a wide range of resumes and open positions to ensure a productive and mutually beneficial search. Unlike any other job posting website, qualified candidates are screened by an experienced, highly trained JVS career counselor.

The website offers an alternative to large, overwhelming job boards, with JVS staff providing confidential services to both candidates and employers to attain a strong match. The job posting board gives individuals access to job opportunities and employment assistance, while offering a venue for employers to find pre-screened candidates to fill their open positions. The site, free to both employees and employers, is made possible by a grant from the Jewish Federation’s J-HELP Initiative. Additional features include: job search tools and strategies, relevant resources, a calendar listing topical workshops and special events and opportunities to sign up for job campaign services.

PJ Library is coming to Chicago!

Beginning September 15, families can sign up for PJ Library, a FREE program that sends an age-appropriate, high quality Jewish content children’s book or music CD each month to families with children ages 6 months – 6 years. Subscriptions are FREE for three-years. To learn more, visit www.juf.org/pjlibrary.

PJ Library was created by The Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) and is a gift to your family from the Jewish United Fund/Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago, local donors and your local early childhood Jewish educators.

Summer fun continues at JCC’s Vacation Days
Wondering what to do with your kids when schools out but work is in? JCC’s Vacation Day is the exciting way to keep summer fun going. Each site has unique offerings, and may include swimming, arts & crafts, sports activities, and even field trips to popular destinations in the area. Register your child today!!!! For a full list of vacation day dates please contact Andrea Berlow at 224.406.9207 or visit our website for more information.

Join Me and My Dad Groups-Forming Now
The end of summer doesn’t mean the end of the fun- join us for Me and My Dad programming beginning in September! Through social, recreational and community activities, Me and My Dad program participants bond, make new friends and build memories that will last forever. Join us for a Me and My Dad End of the Summer Splash Bash. Grab a towel, swimsuit and the entire family for the FREE event, Friday, August 21st from 4:00-6:00 at Elaine Frank Apachi Day Camp. Please RSVP to Susan Ellenby at 224-406-9223 or sellenby@gojcc.org. Visit our website for more information.

Attention All JCC Early Childhood Families Spend a Weekend at Perlstein Resort
Perlstein resort has made a weekend for JCC early Childhood Families. Escape the city and enjoy the fresh air and beautiful grounds, relax and celebrate Shabbat with friends and family both old and new. October 23rd-25th is JCC’s Early Childhood Family weekend. Daily schedules provide fun for the whole family and include, live music, storytelling, hay-rides, bonfire and much more. As an added bonus, baby-sitting is available evening from 8:00 pm-11:00 pm. For more information please contact Darci Rozner at 847-763-3670 or drozner@gojcc.org. Visit our website for a complete list of activities and schedules.

Teen Connections Newsletter shows what JUF has to offer teens. Take a look at the most recent version of the Teen Newsletter!

VOICES and KOLOT are hands-on youth philanthropy programs that give teens the opportunity to allocate at least $25,000 to important causes and make an impact on the world today. These programs invite teens to combine tzedakah and tikkun olam in an exciting new way. For more information or an application, email voices@juf.org or kolot@juf.org.

Help! I’m almost 26 and I haven’t used my SKIP Funds!
If you are nearing the end of SKIP eligibility, don’t panic! We can help you find the best way to make use of your SKIP funds. There are many wonderful programs for young adults, ranging from 10 days to a full year, whether or not you have participated in Birthright Israel. More information is available here.

Is an Israel Experience in your child’s future? Give the Gift of Israel!
If your child is of bar/bat mitzvah age, high school--and a high school Israel Experience program--are right around the corner. Help make an Israel Experience more affordable by enrolling your child today in the Gift of Israel program. Find out more here.

Israel Experience Scholarship Applications Due November 1
High school, college students and young adults planning to travel to Israel this winter or next spring may be eligible for Jewish Federation’s financial need scholarships. For more information, click here.

Please join the Jewish Federation of Metropolitan Chicago for the Annual Meeting on September 16, with distinguished guest speaker: Governor Pat Quinn.

• Business Meeting and Members Forum: 10:00 a.m.
• Luncheon: 12:00 p.m.
• $30.00 per person; $15.00 for senior citizens, Rabbis, Jewish communal professionals and students.
• Chicago Hilton & Towers
  International Ballroom
  720 S. Michigan Ave., Chicago

For more information contactRachel Weiss at (312) 444-2893 or rachelweiss@juf.org

SAVE THE DATE: The Chicago Center for Jewish Genetic Disorders Celebrates its 10th Anniversary on Thursday, October 15

Reserve tickets now for an engaging and inspirational evening featuring Amy Harmon, the Pulitzer Prize-winning New York Times columnist whose series The DNA Age explores the effect of genetics on our lives.

Contact Karen Litwack at 312-357-4717 or KarenLitwack@juf.org to order tickets or to learn more about supporting the Center.

Does your congregation send an electronic newsletter to its members? Now, in addition to synagogue news and events, you can keep your congregants connected to the latest developments throughout the Jewish community – in Chicago, Israel and around the world. JUF News Express is a free weekly update of what’s happening here, there and everywhere. To offer it to your members via your newsletter, simply include a link in each issue to www.juf.org/express/express_web.aspx, or copy and paste this item:

For a quick look at the latest news of the Jewish community, check out the current issue of JUF News Express at www.juf.org/express/express_web.aspx.

Becoming More Assertive To Help Get What You Need
Adults can learn ways of overcoming shyness by looking at the fears and risks that prevent assertiveness. Leaving old messages behind, assessing what needs participants want to meet, and improving communication skills can enable growth.

• Thursdays, 7:30 - 9:00 pm, 9/10 - 10/15 (6 weeks)
• Location: JCFS - 85 Revere Dr., Northbrook
• Fee: $90 for the series
• Contact: Tema Rosenblum, LSW 847-272-2882

CHUPPAH PROJECT - Workshop For Jewish Engaged And Newly Married Couples
Join other Jewish couples for a day of learning to gain skills preparing you for the rest of your lives. Discussion will include expectations of your marriage, differing family backgrounds, communication, conflict resolution, and building a Jewish home together.

• Sunday, September 13, 10:00 - 3:00 pm (once)
• Location: 5150 Golf Rd., Skokie
• Fee: $150/per couple including lunch
• Contact: Rosalie Greenberger, LCSW 224-625-2819

Glick Family Camp
Glick Family Camp is for children diagnosed with Autism/PDD, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation, Spina Bifida, Motor and Cognitive Delays, Genetic and Medical Conditions that are associated with developmental delays, children who qualify for Early Intervention services and their families. Relax with your family, mingle with other families and enjoy the outdoors on 181 acres of Illinois countryside at Camp Henry Horner/Camp Red Leaf in Ingleside, IL. Camp staff will lead children and adults in a variety of creative, stimulating and fun activities. JCFS clinical staff will facilitate sibling and parent groups. Every family is assigned a JCFS respite worker for the weekend.

• September11 - September 13
• Location: JCYS, Camp Red Leaf, Ingleside, IL
• Fee: $110 person - fee includes 6 meals, snacks, lodging and activities. Children under 3 are free. Scholarships are available.
• Contact: Tamara Besser, LCSW 773-467-3751

JEWISH HEALING NETWORK OF CHICAGO PRESENTS:

Jewish Healing and Spirituality: Music to Soothe Your Jewish Soul
Beit familiar prayers, holiday melodies, folk tunes from long ago...Jewish music resonates deep into our soul. Join JHNC and Midwest Palliative & Hospice CareCenter (Jewish Care Services) for an afternoon of music. The day will begin with words of Torah by Rabbi Joseph Ozarowski.

• August 30, 1:00 - 3:00 pm
• Presented by: Rhonda Wehner, Registered Music Therapist
• Location: Jewish Child & Family Services, 5150 Golf Road, Skokie, IL
• Fee: $15 (adjustable if needed)
• Information and Registration: Call Carol Berry at 847-568-5100 or email JHNC@jcfs.org.

Surviving the Loss of A Spouse Drop-In Group
This is for those adjusting to the death of a spouse within the last year and a half. This is an on-going drop in group, where new participants are welcome. Topics may include coping with and understanding grief, making decisions, managing family and social relationships and staying healthy.

• Wednesdays 9/10/08 – 8/26/09, 3:00 - 4:30 pm
• Presented by: Rosalie Greenberger, LCSW P 224-625-2819
• Location: JCFS, 1156 W. Shure Dr, Ste 180, Arlington Heights, IL
• Fee: $7 per session